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Exposed: Ministry Of Interior, IRIS Stalling Passports Production In Nigeria

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2 years ago

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The Nigerian government and a company, Iris Smart Technology Limited, had signed an agreement for the latter to be in charge of production of the document, a deal which was reportedly sealed in 2003.

But the company has continued to slow down the process of production, a development which has forced Nigerians to call on the federal government to terminate the passport production contract.

Those who spoke with voiceofnaija.ng are calling it a scam that has led to Nigerians losing a lot of money, travel opportunities and deadlines.

In a survey conducted by this medium, 9 out of 10 Nigerians want the FG to terminate the contract the government has with IRIS Tech.

“Honestly, it is damaging the image of the country abroad. I have a sister who was offered a nursing job abroad, but she missed the opportunity and had to go back to the line to wait for another year just because she couldn’t get her passport on time,” claimed one Emeka Eze who participated in the survey.

According to the survey, many were of the opinion that the problem with the delay in passport production in Nigeria lies solely with Iris Smart Technology Limited, following the 2003 contract described as the biggest scam in Nigeria’s history.

A source at the Ministry of Interior told our correspondent that, “the contract was signed between the interior ministry and IRIS in 2003 in a fishy way. The deal states that specific amount of booklets have to be produced before the contract ends. No one knows the amount on the contract and the ministry of Interior won’t tell anyone.

“Even President Buhari have asked that the contract be reviewed and terminated a while back, but nothing has been done about it till date because the ministry says contract has to stay.”

According to the survey, the contract between the ministry and IRIS Smart Technology was overwhelmingly found to not be in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.

An investigation by voiceofnaija.ng shows that there was an MoU signed by the former minister of the Interior, Lt. Gen. Danbazau (rtd), and IRIS Smart Technology. Under the contract agreement, IRIS Smart Technology was to set up an e-passport production factory in Nigeria, but that is yet to happen years after the deal.

In a press release titled: “FG Domesticates Passport Production in Nigeria”, The federal government said it has domesticated the production of passports in Nigeria.

It reads in part: “The Federal Government has domesticated the production of Nigeria passports with the witnessing of the Ministry of Interior at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the production of passports in the country.

“The agreement for the domestication of the production of passports which was signed between IRIS SMART TECHNOLOGY LTD, an indigenous company, and Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc at the Ministry of Interior in Abuja, entails that production of e-passport will be done in Nigeria alone and will no longer be done by foreigners.”

A frustrated source familiar with the situation said: “We have everything it takes to make our own passports here in Nigeria. The Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc, have been ready forever, but IRIS Tech continues to hold Nigerians hostage by not keeping to their end of the MoU.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior has continued to maintain that the PPP agreement it has with IRIS stands and this inevitably means that some Nigerians who have worked hard and have gained admission into schools abroad or a job will continue to face the scarcity of the international passport allegedly caused by the tech company.

“Mr. Felix Fatosun, Mr. Fisher, Mr. Deji, and Mr. Farouk in conjunction with an expatriate in London are the ones making life hard for Nigerians,” our source lamented.

 

  • Voice Of Naija

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Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Spends Second Night In EFCC’s Cell Over N1.3 Trillion Alleged Fraud

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12 hours ago

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November 7, 2024

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Immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, who was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has spent second night in the custody of the anti-graft commission.

 

Okowa is currently being investigated and detained over the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion.

 

The N1.3 trillion reportedly represents the 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

According to sources within the commission, Okowa was invited to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he’s subsequently detained by officials.

 

One of the sources stated, “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested. The commission is investigating him regarding the N1.3 trillion 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

“He is also accused of failing to account for the funds, as well as another N40 billion he allegedly claimed was used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas. He reportedly bought shares worth N40 billion in one of the country’s major banks, representing an 8% equity stake, to support the offshore LNG project. The funds are alleged to have been misappropriated for other purposes.

Investigators are also examining the alleged diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State. He is currently being held at the EFCC facility in Port Harcourt.

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Lagos Government Shuts Down Redeemed Church, Celestial Church, Clubs, Event Centres Over Noise Pollution

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1 day ago

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November 6, 2024

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The Lagos State government has shut down a branch of Pastor E. A. Adeboye’s Redeemed Christian Church of God, a Celestial church, nightclubs and event centres over noise pollution.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who made this known on Wednesday, said the churches, clubs and event centres were sealed on Tuesday by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in the Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota areas of the state.

The sealed establishments include: Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Lounge & Lodging, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.

The commissioner in a post on X said, “In a bid to address noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) took action yesterday, closing down several establishments across different parts of the state.

“This enforcement drive, focusing on areas like Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota, is part of LASEPA’s continuous efforts to uphold environmental standards and safeguard public health.

“The affected establishments include Honourable Lounge & Lodging, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.”

 

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Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja: Tinubu directs flags be flown at half-mast

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1 day ago

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November 6, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu has directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half mast for seven days across the country to mourn the passing of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The late Army chief, who was appointed by Tinubu on 19 June 2023, was said to have passed away on Tuesday night after a prolonged illness.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in a statement on Wednesday by his office Director of Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, said the president expressed regret over Lagbaja’s death.

Akume said, “President Bola Tinubu has expressed regret following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, after a brief illness at the age of 56.

“The President has directed that national flags be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army chief.

“He profoundly appreciates the services of the departed to the nation and wishes the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

Meanwhile, the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle, have commiserated with the president, the military, and Lagbaja’s family over his death.

In a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, the ministers described Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to his family, the Army, and the nation at large.

“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence, as our working relationship with him was commendable; he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.

“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed significantly to internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military, and the nation, as he served the nation with commitment and dedication,” the statement added.

 

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